Holmes wary of Bristol backlash

It's a clash, however, that Aussie prop Holmes - who will skipper the Chiefs tomorrow - and his team-mates are clearly relishing.

"Every competition we play in, we target to win," said Holmes when asked if there was extra pressure put on the Chiefs to deliver following last weekend's exit from the Heineken Champions Cup.

"As players we know we need to win this to get into the last four. We've picked a strong squad, we've trained well this week, and we'll throw everything at it. Bristol, though, will be tough. We've had two wins against them already this season, so they'll be burning to get a result against us. The fact they've picked a strong team underlines how much they want to wn, so we've got to go up there and be ready for everything they throw at us."

Holmes was part of the Exeter squad that travelled to Limerick last week for the clash with Munster in the Champions Cup, but he was a travelling replacement and is one of 15 changes the visitors have made to their starting line-up from that game.

He heads up a powerful Chiefs line-up that is boosted by the return to fitness of key figures such as Dave Ewers, Max Bodilly, Alex Cuthbert and Olly Woodburn, whilst there is plenty of experience sprinkled in around those players with the likes of Phil Dollman, Moray Low and Tom Hendrickson also set to start.

The 35-year-old prop packs down alongside Scotsman Low and hooker Jack Innard Innard in the Chiefs front-row, which will be asked to be the cornerstone of the visiting set-piece. In reserve, youngsters Billy Keast and Marcus Street lie in wait and the former Queensland Reds talisman has been impressed with the talent being produced within the Exeter academy ranks.

Keast, Street and Alfie Petch are all certainly stars of the future, making impressive headway despite their tender years, whilst fellow forwards Ben Moon, Alec Hepburn, Harry Williams and Tomas Francis have all established themselves as international props during Holmes' time at the Devon club.

Holmes admits the talent within the Exeter ranks was part and parcel of his decision to head to the Chiefs three years ago, adding: "When you go to a new club you want to go somewhere where you'll be playing alongside quality players, who will be challenging you every week for that starting spot. As a player you want to be pushed, whether it's in training or in games, and that's what we have here. It helps not only bring the best out of you, but it helps you to improve and that's been the case.

"Right now, we've got a great mix of forwards, all of whom are capable of doing a job. With the young props especially, it will be great to look at them in a few years' time, when they are playing on the biggest stage and knowing that I've played a small part in their development. That's something I will definitely cherish."

All of that is for the future and in the here and now, it's matters at Ashton Gate that will occupy the thoughts of Holmes and the Chiefs as they look to keep up their winning sequence over Bristol which stretches back to 2009.